County Judge, Washington County

Joseph K. Wood is a foundling. Abandoned in the streets at birth, he was placed in an orphanage and would eventually find his forever family. He grew up with his two brothers and sister in the tough neighborhoods of Chicago. Joseph’s mother was an educator and his father was a construction worker. Education and hard work, along with serving the community were expected in the family. Joseph held these values and continues to instill them in his children and grandchildren.

Upon graduation from high school, Joseph attended Iowa State University where he graduated in 1987 with a degree in Business Administration. He finished his Master of Christian Leadership degree and graduated May 7, 2016.

Joseph’s Professional Career:

• Washington County Judge
• Deputy Secretary of State: Business & Commercial Services and the Communication & Education Divisions
• Wal-Mart Home Office: Head of International Recruitment, Regional HR Logistics & Transportation, Sr. Recruiter - Pharmacy, Real Estate, Construction and Sam’s Club
• Assistant Director: University of Chicago Graduate School of Business
• Bank Examiner: audit state banks in Illinois

Civic Engagement:

• The Call State Board Member
• Board of Director for KIPP: Delta Public Schools
• Former Board of Director for Youth Bridge
• Former State Representative for Sister Cities International
• Selective Services Local Board Member
• Former University of Arkansas Chancellor’s Diversity Advisory Board
• Former Board of Director on Northwest Arkansas Red Cross

He has received many awards and recognition and speaks to many organizations, schools and universities. Joseph was recently selected to be a Henry Toll Fellow by the Council of State Government. In 2017, with Senator Boozman’s nomination, Joseph received an Angels in Adoption Congressional award.

Joseph and June will be married 26 years in November. They have three daughters: Paris, Loren J’la, and Candace and enjoy their two grandsons Brian and Joey. Five years ago Joseph moved his mother-in-law Mattie to their home. They live in Fayetteville and have been members of Christian Life Cathedral since 1997.

Joseph has a vision for Arkansas and Washington County. He wrote the foreword to two books, American Vision 20/20 and The Hope…of Things to Come. Joseph has written two children’s books, Saving Joey (Amazon and Barnes and Noble), and Adopting Joey.